Time is running out to purchase lower-cost insurance from the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace. The end of the open enrollment period is Jan. 31, two weeks earlier than last year’s deadline.

The Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace is the only place qualifying Colorado residents can receive special financial assistance to help reduce the cost of health insurance.

People who miss the Jan. 31 deadline must wait until fall to purchase a Connect for Health Colorado plan unless they have major life change, such as marriage, birth of child, change in residence, loss of health insurance through job change, or divorce.

Jan. 31 is also the deadline for most people to have some type of health insurance or else pay a fine. In 2016, the fine is $695 per adult or 2.5 percent of household income, whichever is greater.

Larimer Health Connect, a program of the Health District of Northern Larimer County, has some appointments for free, in-person assistance before the enrollment deadline, but they are filling fast.

A list of enrollment resources for the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace, including other sources of in-person assistance in Larimer County, is available at larimerhealthconnect.org/resources.

To contact Larimer Health Connect, call (970) 472-0444 or visit larimerhealthconnect.org.